Forget about MLB opening day last week in Japan, that was no stinkin’ opening day, it was two spring training games overseas that counted in the standings. This is opening day. St. Louis Cardinals against the new look Miami Marlins in their new crib with their new digs, new team name, new manager and new lineup.
For the Marlins, those who will be wearing the team’s new rainbow logo will include shortstop Jose Reyes, the reigning NL batting champ, starters Mark Buehrle and Carlos Zambrano, and All-Star closer Heath Bell. Hanley Ramirez, who will shift to third base after missing the final two months of last season with a left shoulder injury and young slugger formerly known as Mike Stanton is now known as Giancarlo Stanton.
The reigning World Series Champion Cardinals are vastly different too. Most notably missing, for the first time in 16 years, is their skipper Tony La Russa. And if that’s not different enough for you, the best hitter in baseball Albert Pujols is no longer with the Red Birds either.
Inside the Numbers
Pitching matchups
RH Kyle Lohse (14-8, 3.39 ERA – ‘11) vs. RH Josh Johnson (3-1, 1.64 ERA – ‘11)
Play Ball!
Game Time: 7:05 p.m. ET – ESPN
The founder and former owner of MC3 Sports Media, Mike Cardano is the Sr. Business Administrator for RotoExperts and the Executive Director here at TheXLog.com. You may email Mike @ michael.cardano@rotoexperts.com or follow him on Twitter @MikeCardano. Listen to Mike on Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio with Scott Engel and the morning crew Tuesday mornings at 10am ET.